TD-less Beckham questions Giants’ heart, no long passes
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – New York Giants star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. may need to choose his words more carefully. The NFL’s highest-paid receiver created a stir Friday when ESPN released an interview from this week in which the 25-year-old wondered why the team isn’t throwing the ball farther downfield and playing with more energy. The possible cause of his frustration? Four games into the season, Beckham hasn’t caught a touchdown pass. Beckham said the Giants (1-3), who travel to Carolina (2-1) on Sunday, need to get on a run. Here’s how he answered the ESPN question about “the biggest heart of the issue” for the Giants. “How come we can’t throw the ball for more than 20 yards? How come we don’t attempt or try to throw the ball for more than 20 yards?” Beckham said. “Those are questions that we have to figure out, but for now I would say it’s our heart, it’s our energy. It’s what we bring when we line up before the game, all of that. It counts.” The Giants have completed only two passes of more than 30 yards or more this season, and they have only nine passes of 20 yards or greater. Beckham was not in the locker room after practice on Friday to discuss his comments. The catalyst of the Giants’ offense has been on his best behavior and more mature after missing most of last season with a broken ankle. While he didn’t throw anyone under the bus, his words indicated he’s upset about losing games.